Immunizations

ASDs Family Handout—Vaccines

Some parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may worry about a possible link between vaccines and ASDs. In fact, one recent survey said that 54% of parents of children with ASDs thought ASDs were caused by immunizations. The consensus of health professionals based on scientific research is that there is no evidence that vaccines cause ASDs. Despite these scientific data, parents continue to worry that vaccines may cause children at risk for ASDs to develop symptoms at the time many childhood vaccinations are given. Some common questions that parents have include

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of
the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Lifelong HBV infection
can lead to liver cancer or scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). More than 1
million people in the United States are living with lifelong HBV infection.
Anyone can get infected with HBV, including your child.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is an epidemic of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the United States. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is most common in men and women in their late teens and early 20s. Because so many types of HPV have no symptoms, it is easily spread between sex partners.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. More than
half of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in
their lives.

Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication. Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they've received. That's why it's important to turn to a reliable and trusted source, including your child's doctor, for information. The following are answers to common questions parents have about immunizations.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial
illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18
years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of
the brain and the spinal cord.

Certain teens and young adults have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. College students, especially freshmen who live in dorms and military recruits, are at an increased risk compared with others in this age group. It's important to know how to protect yourself because meningococcal disease can be deadly. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about this serious illness, safe and effective vaccines, and how to stay healthy.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: August is National Immunization Awareness Month and a good time to remind you to stay up to date on your child's immunizations. While many are given during the first two years of life, some require a booster dose in later years to remain effective and protect against many infectious diseases.

Polio is a disease caused by a virus. It enters the body through the mouth. Usually it does not cause serious illness. But sometimes it causes paralysis (can't move arm or leg), and it can cause meningitis (irritation of the lining of the brain). It can kill people who get it, usually by paralyzing the muscles that help them breathe.

Protect Yourself and Help Protect Your Baby: Information for New Moms on the Tdap Vaccine

Congratulations on your new baby! Your baby is the greatest gift you will ever receive. One of your biggest jobs as a parent is to keep your child safe and healthy. One way do this is to make sure your children get all the immunizations they need to protect them from different diseases. But did you know that there is an immunization that you as a parent should get to keep your children safe?

Tetanus and diphtheria are very serious diseases. They are rare in the United States today, but people who do become infected often have severe complications. Td vaccine is used to protect adolescents and adults from both of these diseases.